Evaluation of alternative methods for the disinfection of toothbrushes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate alternative methods for the disinfection of toothbrushes considering that most of the previously proposed methods are expensive and cannot be easily implemented. Two-hundred toothbrushes with standardized dimensions and bristles were included in the study. The toothbrushes were divided into 20 experimental groups (n = 10), according to microorganism considered and chemical agent used. The toothbrushes were contaminated in vitro by standardized suspensions of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. The following disinfectants were tested: 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 50% white vinegar, a triclosan-containing dentifrice solution, and a perborate-based tablet solution. The disinfection method was immersion in the disinfectant for 10 min. After the disinfection procedure, the number of remaining microbial cells was evaluated. The values of cfu/toothbrush of each group of microorganism after disinfection were compared by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Dunn's test for multiple comparisons (5%). The chlorhexidine digluconate solution was the most effective disinfectant. The triclosan-based dentifrice solution promoted a significant reduction of all microorganisms' counts in relation to the control group. As to the disinfection with 50% vinegar, a significant reduction was observed for all the microorganisms, except for C. albicans. The sodium perborate solution was the less effective against the tested microorganisms. Solutions based on triclosan-containing dentifrice may be considered effective, nontoxic, cost-effective, and an easily applicable alternative for the disinfection of toothbrushes. The vinegar solution reduced the presence of S. aureus, S. mutans and S. pyogenes on toothbrushes.

In Vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Seven Different Disinfectants on Acrylic Resins

“…This result was supported by Salvia et al [46] and they remarked that this agent was as effective as 1% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate against Candida albicans , Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus mutans. On the contrary, Komiyama et al [63] investigated the effectiveness of 50% white vinegar for toothbrush disinfection and it was found to be effective for Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus pyogenes, but not for Candida albicans . In this study, white vinegar was used in 50% and 100% concentrations for 10 min.…”

Knowledge and behavior of dentists in a dental school regarding toothbrush disinfection

“…Studies have suggested different methods for disinfecting toothbrushes to prevent disease, 9,10 including the use of chemical agents, ultraviolet sanitizers, microwave irradiation, and dishwashing. 2,5,7,9,10,11,12 A lt houg h t h e d i si n fe c t ion me t ho d s of toothbrushes 1,2,9,12 have been investigated in several studies, to the best of our knowledge, no published study has reported the knowledge and behavior of dentists about toothbrush disinfection. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these aspects among dentists employed at a dental school in Turkey.…”

Efficacy of Citrus hystrix sprays in decontaminating Streptococcus mutans on children's toothbrushes

“…Likewise, this study also show the effectiveness of CHX in a spray form 16,[20][21][22][23][24]35 . Nevertheless, CHX is an antiseptic agent which effectively killed bacteria by penetrating into cell cytoplasm and lyse cell component 36 . Previous report showed that bacteria might developed a resistant mechanism, if used for a long time.…”

“…Previous report showed that bacteria might developed a resistant mechanism, if used for a long time. Most researchers are trying to use herbal extraction as an alternative 36,37 . The mechanism by which essential oils inhibits biofilm formation is unknown.…”